Why Do I Need a Workers’ Compensation Attorney?

In some situations, you don't need an attorney. If your injury only requires quick and marginal medical treatment which your employer provides, and you are satisfied with the manner in which it is handled, and make a complete recovery then there may not be a reason to get an attorney involved.

If your injury is more serious however, or it appears that you are being denied proper medical treatment, or not being paid temporary total disability benefits while off work, then it is almost always a good idea to call a workers' compensation attorney. This can also be especially true where your employer has a nasty attitude regarding the workers' compensation injury and/or request for workers' compensation benefits by the injured worker.

Legal representation usually pays for itself. Numerous studies over the years, including one conducted by Missouri Lawyers Weekly, have shown that workers' compensation claimants who hire an attorney, on average, receive significantly larger settlements on their cases than ones who do not. Keep in mind that workers' compensation cases are always handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning the lawyer gets paid a percentage of what is collected through settlement or trial. If there is nothing obtained then there is no fee nor charge. Sometimes a more important issue arises that warrants the hiring of a workers' compensation attorney; namely a case where the pursuit of medical treatment or future medical benefits become an important matter for the injured worker.

It is important to speak to an attorney if:

• You are denied medical treatment

• You are not getting paid temporary total disability benefits while off

• You have a serious injury that may result in permanent disability

• Your employer retaliates against you due to the work injury

• Another person's negligence contributed to cause the accident

• You will be unable to return to work after the accident

• You earned a high wage prior to the accident

• You worked part-time for the employer

Our primary objective is to maximize your benefits under the workers' compensation law. Our office will provide a knowledgeable and straightforward evaluation of your case. We will walk you through what can often be a complex process, take your case to trial if necessary, select a physician who will be favorable to you and your case and who will act as an expert witness in the case, assist in any communication, help in responding to any forms that must be completed, and fight for you all along the way.

There are people and entities involved in the workers' compensation process who do not have your best interests at heart; these include some employers, insurance companies, insurance adjusters, nurse case managers, treating physicians paid by the workers' compensation insurance company, and vocational experts. An injured worker often needs help from an attorney in combating the forces against them.

Our office will be happy to meet with you to discuss your case. Remember, there is no fee unless we obtain a recovery for you. Contact us.